Temperature High / Overheating - Pok Leh

Hello everybody, I have a 1997 BB. Before December 2010, temperature readings is quiet normal, but since January 2011, I noticed somewhat unusual temperature readings. When traveling at highway speeds, the temperature readings are as usual, but when moving at a rate of 40kmh/30kmh or less or movements in the town/city, temperature readings increase rapidly, within 5 minutes the temperature continues to warm up to the highest reading/overheating. What I did was I had to switch off an engine and wait until the engine temperature to slowly down to normal condition. However, if the BB back to high speed, temperature readings back to normal. I noticed that the fan is still okay because during the engine in idle state, I still felt the warm air from the front firing down air outlet. Please help if anyone knows how to solve this problem, thanks in advance.

Re: Temperature High / Overheating - Pok Leh

The Bird likes to breath cool air. I suggest you flush your rad and replace the coolant. Maybe the radiator cap? If your ridig in a tropical envioronment in heavy traffic then perhaps you need to add a water wetter or the like. I've had my Bird overhea twice since '02/163,000 kms. Both on very hot days stuck in slow or not moving traffic. I also pulled over into the shade and waited it out. I use Motul Expert for coolant. Good luck. I also replaced all my coolant hoses last year just to be safe.

Re: Temperature High / Overheating - Pok Leh

As I understand it, the coolant hoses go through a lot of heat cycles over the years and kms on one's bike. I replaced the oil lines with steel lines but I might have done that just for bling. Google motorcycle coolants and there is a wide choice of products. I think we might have a thread or two on coolants. I will admit though, I do get nervous when I see jammed up traffic during hot weather. I sometimes take a detour, on occasion I've just waited it out. Check out Partsguy for prices on coolant hoses.

Re: Temperature High / Overheating - Pok Leh

Hi have the same problem , just bought a 2000 bird ride home and test ride all fine , bike was left started whiIe I sorted a bit of space in the shed ,, herd a gurgle from the bike and the Temp was in the red with the coolant making a weird noise ,,,,did a little check to see was the fan turning on and it was not , took the wire connected to theTemp switch on the radiator , and earthed this to the frame ,,,the fan turned over so the problem was the switch ..link to switch below .

Re: Temperature High / Overheating - Pok Leh

Originally Posted by greysnail

Congrats Pok leh for ur new born......

Greysnail, Thank You from me and my family. Last two week I came across with Bro Amin from Singapore Freedom Bikers at KL, we have talked regarding Blackbird hard laguagge, know him? if so, please send my regards and please ask him to contact me at adamatktn@yahoo.com, tq